RELEASE: July 18, 2002

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TRENTON – As a thermostat climbed inside a car parked at the Roebling Market, New Jersey Department of Human Services Commissioner Gwendolyn L. Harris today reminded parents and caregivers to never leave children or vulnerable adults unsupervised in automobiles.

"Leaving children or a person with disabilities alone inside a car is always dangerous," said Commissioner Harris. "However, the summer months and the intense heat can turn it into a deadly situation."

Each summer, the state Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) receives several referrals of children being left unattended in cars. Last week, a three-year old was left unattended in a parking lot in Franklin Township, Hunterdon County.

In addition, three people with developmental disabilities required medical treatment after they were left unattended in a van parked outside a shopping center earlier this summer.

"We can’t underestimate the hazards of leaving someone unattended in a car," said Commissioner Harris. "In a few short minutes, it can be fatal."

When the temperature outside is in the 90’s, a closed automobile can heat up to 125 degrees in 20 minutes. Even with a window cracked, a child can dehydrate very quickly.

According to the nonprofit group KIDS ‘N CARS which monitors media reports of children being left in cars, 93 children nationwide have been left unattended in or around cars this year resulting in 21 deaths. In 2001, the organization reported 473 children being left alone with 97 deaths; 35 of these deaths were the result of children being left in hot cars.

If you see a child or a person with disabilities left alone in a car, report it immediately to store personnel, the police or DYFS at 1-800-792-8610.